Don’t let an eating disorder ruin your life

Dec. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Throughout our lives, we will have all had to deal with some form of bullying – whether it is because we wear glasses, have bad skin or don’t have the latest High Street fashions in our wardrobe.

It’s upsetting for anyone when we are criticised for being who we are – but for Annabel Norris, being teased about her ginger hair led to a nearly fatal journey with anorexia nervosa.

Now a healthy 20-year-old hairdresser, Annabel was first bullied at the age of 13 because of the colour of her hair. Weighing around 8st at the time, she began to starve herself and exercise too much, causing her weight to drop to just 4st 13lb.

When doctors warned her that she could be hours from death, Annabel fought back and very slowly beat her illness.  She is now a hairdresser and an active fundraiser for anorexia charity Beat.

Perhaps you can identify with Annabel’s story but have not been able to come to terms with the possibility that you are anorexic.  It is extremely important that you recognise the potential warning signs of anorexia in your own behaviour.

Have your friends or family raised concerns about your weight loss or eating habits?  Do you have a genuine fear of putting weight on or do you consider yourself a failure if you are a certain size?

Do you find yourself compulsively exercising or hiding what you eat from your friends or relatives?  Do you think you’re fat even if those around you assure you that you aren’t?

As well as these indicators, other warning signs can include obsessively weighing yourself, hoarding food and wearing baggy clothes to hide the weight you have lost.  

Admitting there is a problem is the first step to solving that problem and, ultimately, leading a happier and more fulfilling life.  There is absolutely no shame in admitting you have an eating disorder – many famous women have struggled with anorexia over the years, including Big Brother star Nikki Grahame and actresses Kate Beckinsale and Christina Ricci.  Recently, ballerina Mariafrancesca Garritano spoke out about the curse of anorexia in the dancing world, claiming that one in five ballerinas at La Scala Opera House suffer from the condition.

If you think you are anorexic or are concerned about a friend or family member, please seek help from one of the many avenues of support across the country.

For example, Colchester eating disorder sufferers can contact Essex Health for advice or see their GP to see what help is available to them.  If left to escalate, the condition is extremely serious and can even lead to death, so it is vital that the issue is addressed quickly.

Treatment can include talking therapies such as counseling, self help and support groups. In extreme cases, hospital treatment may be required to ensure that the body is strong enough to recover.

If you think you may have anorexia, it’s important to remember that you are not alone.  Please take advantage of the help which is available to you and learn ways to deal with what you’re going through.

Visit : http://www.essexhealth.co.uk

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